top of page
Search

News report: Bahamas Chamber; Export readiness support among areas of focus in 2026

  • BCCEC
  • 1 hour ago
  • 4 min read

Published by Youri Kemp, The Nassau Guardian, January 2, 2026

The year 2025 has been one of action, visibility, and measurable impact for the Bahamas Chamber of Commerce and Employers’ Confederation (BCCEC), and in 2026, the Chamber will continue its effectiveness, which will include a focus on export readiness support for Bahamian businesses, according to BCCEC Chairman Don Williams in a press statement released on Wednesday.


Williams continued: “While our digital platforms continue to grow, reaching more Bahamians and international stakeholders than ever before – with Facebook achieving more than two million views and interactions, Instagram reaching more than 60,000 views and interactions, and LinkedIn, our website and blog earning more than 100,000 views and reads collectively – in 2026, one of our key goals is more visibility. We will also be more vigorous in lobbying for increased ease of doing business while lowering the cost of doing business, and we kick off the 2026 business year with an Ease of Doing Business Symposium, where we have all business stakeholders together in one location to assist the business community in real time, on January 9th at the National Baseball Stadium.


“Another focal point of 2026 will be export readiness and support for businesses, while promoting local manufacturing and buying support from the consumer base. We find that digital presence is one of the best tools a business can have, and we will be working to promote and enhance e-commerce capabilities across the business community, specifically with our partner, the SBDC (Small Business Development Centre). We thank the business community for a stellar 2025 year, and with a newly elected board at the wheel, we look forward to strengthening collaborative efforts for 2026 and beyond.”


Williams added: “As a Chamber, we worked tirelessly to push forward, show up, and advocate for a stronger, more resilient business community across The Bahamas. In 2025, we remained deeply engaged with the media to ensure that the concerns of our members were heard — loudly, clearly, and consistently. Our advocacy spanned several critical national issues.


“We helped to shape policy and reform on energy costs and the renewable energy transition, negotiating free energy audits for our clients, highlighting the burden high electricity rates place on households and businesses, and stressing the need for a sustainable, affordable national approach.


“We lobbied for trade diversification and local production, calling for more export support, less import dependency, and exploring new international markets, including opportunities in Canada, China, South America, and Africa, while strengthening US collaboration. With liquor license reforms, we advocated to ensure a fair process, clear public education, and rules that support — not hinder — competitive business environments. We promoted technology and AI [artificial intelligence] adoption with our members, emphasizing the importance of digital transformation and future-ready workforce development.”


He continued: “This year, the Chamber didn’t just respond to the national conversation; we helped shape it. And we will continue to ensure the private sector’s voice remains strong and influential. Our Chamber community grew significantly this year, adding more than 150 new members from January to December, across a wide spectrum of industries – from agriculture to finance, hospitality to technology, and retail to manufacturing.


“We met members where they were, not only at our own events, but through major national gatherings such as the Bahamas Business Outlook 2025 series, the SHYFT conference, the ALIVE Cyber Security Summit, and multiple webinars and town halls. Our partnerships also expanded this year. Through collaborations with ShipX, multiple international embassies, Walden University, Lifestyles Digital Media Group, FRYME Studios, the Ministry of Youth, Sports & Culture, the Ministry of Housing, and the Small Business Development Centre, we delivered new benefits and valuable opportunities directly to our members.


Williams said in 2025, the Chamber’s calendar was anchored by several major signature events, each designed to inform, connect, and strengthen the business community.


“We hosted two BCCEC Power Brunches with Royal Caribbean — one in May and another in October — giving members direct access to exclusive updates and insights from one of the region’s largest corporate partners. In June, we held the 3rd Annual Chamber Classic Golf Tournament, now firmly established as our flagship community-giveback event. This year, proceeds were donated to Families of All Murder Victims (F.O.A.M.), supporting the essential work they do with families impacted by violence. In November, we partnered with the Caribbean Export Development Agency to host a three-day workshop geared toward accessing finance and renewable energy. Also in November, we convened the 7th Annual National Conclave of Chambers of Commerce, a powerful demonstration of collaboration and unity across our islands. Chambers from Nassau and the Family Islands came together to share ideas, address challenges, and strengthen the collective voice of the Bahamian private sector. It highlighted the strength of connection and the impact of working together toward a shared vision of national economic growth.”


The Bahamas Trade Information Portal had a transformative year, according to Williams. As a partnership between the Ministry of Economic Affairs and the Chamber, the portal continues to be an essential tool for business intelligence, export development, and global trade visibility. Williams said from January to November, the portal welcomed over 30,000 users from countries such as China, Singapore, the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, India, and The Bahamas. The most visited sections included Bahamian exports, supplier directories, key economic sectors, and trade procedures.


“This year saw a significant expansion in trade mission activity. We strengthened partnerships with Canada, Colombia, and Jamaica, promoting opportunities in agritech, renewable energy, food and beverage, logistics, and manufacturing,” said Williams.


“Internationally, the Chamber represented The Bahamas in London, India, Brazil, Algeria, China, the Dominican Republic, Istanbul, Bangkok, Korea, and Egypt, with more than 150 Bahamian businesses participating in missions throughout the year. We ended with the 4th Annual Trade Expo, a national showcase of Bahamian goods, exporters, and international buyers — further cementing our role as a leader in trade facilitation.”





© 2025 by Bahamas Chamber of Commerce |  All Rights Reserved.

bottom of page